WS #8852
No material new developments in the last 30 minutes. The dominant signals from the previous window—positive tech earnings (PANW, ULTA, GTLB), unverified Strait of Hormuz closure reports (contradicted by fact-checks and White House denial), Microsoft's AI model unveiling, and Alphabet's stock sale plan—remain unchanged. No counter-signals or de-escalation have emerged. The narrative is stable with no new data points to alter the mixed outlook.
Key developments
- Palo Alto Networks beats Q3 estimates, raises FY26 guidance; shares pop 12% after hours
- Ulta Beauty beats Q1 estimates, raises annual profit forecast; shares rise 7% after hours
- GitLab beats Q1 estimates, raises FY27 guidance; announces 14% workforce reduction
- Unverified reports Iran closed Strait of Hormuz; White House denies, but traffic 91% below normal
- Microsoft unveils own AI models to reduce dependence on OpenAI
- Alphabet plans $80B stock sale for AI infrastructure; dilutive but necessary